Angolan President João Lourenço has announced a voluntary contribution of $5 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), marking a significant step in strengthening regional health security and sustainable health financing.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Luanda between President Lourenço and Africa CDC director general Jean Kaseya.
The leaders discussed regional health priorities and the urgent need to counter the impact of declining development assistance.
Lourenço, who is African Union chairperson, committed to convening a Committee of African Heads of State to champion Africa CDC’s continental strategy, “Rethinking African Health Financing in a New Era,” which aims to address the sharp 70 percent decline in external health funding across Africa.
Kaseya praised Lourenço’s leadership, calling the pledge a historic move that signals Africa’s readiness to lead with bold investments and African-led solutions.
“President Lourenço’s leadership reflects Africa’s collective determination to finance our health future,” Kaseya said.
He added: “This commitment is not only historic—it sends a powerful signal that Africa is ready to lead from the front, with bold investments and African-led solutions.”
In addition to the financial commitment, Africa CDC will support Angola’s initiative to locally manufacture mosquito bed nets, enhancing vector control and expanding regional production capacity.
Lourenço welcomed this support and confirmed plans for a major national initiative aligned with Africa CDC’s vision.
The meeting also highlighted Angola’s response to the ongoing cholera outbreak, with Kaseya reaffirming Africa CDC’s financial and technical support for the country’s efforts.
JN/APA